Cloud-computed data service for vehicle expenses calculation

ABSTRACT

This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods to receiving onboard diagnostic data associated with an operational state of a vehicle of a user and pushing a message to the user, the message including information associated with the onboard diagnostic data.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation Application under 35 USC § 120 ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/269,241, filed on Feb. 6, 2019,which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/799,700, filed on Oct. 31, 2017, which is a Continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/984,684, filed on Dec. 30, 2015, which isa Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/887,832, filed onMay 6, 2013, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/643,015, filed on May 4, 2012, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Modern vehicles such as automobiles are able to provide electronic datacontaining information about the vehicle, including measured or derivedparameters such as water temperature, engine torque, power, vehiclemileage and maintenance flags. However, these data are not alwaysavailable in a form accessible to people who do not have specializedtraining and/or purpose-built data-readers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a system, according to an example.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a system for delivering vehiclemonitoring processes, and administrating such delivery, according to anexample.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one implementation of the Tripdots service,according to an example.

FIG. 4 shows a display showing field to enter expense information,according to an example.

FIG. 5A shows a display showing field to enter expense rates, accordingto an example.

FIG. 5B shows a display showing field to enter expense rules, accordingto an example.

FIG. 6A shows a week-by-week list of trips and expenses, according to anexample.

FIG. 6B shows additional information associated with an expense,according to an example.

FIG. 7A shows a “Maintenance” portion of an expenses display that can beused to track maintenance payments, according to an example.

FIG. 7B shows a “Payments” portion of an expenses display that can beused to track lease or loan payments tracking, according to an example.

FIG. 8A shows gauges associated with operation of a vehicle, accordingto an example.

FIG. 8B illustrates a Gauge Store, according to an example.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a Map, displayed by the Tripdots app,that can show Tripdots users in a particular location, according to anexample.

FIG. 9B illustrates a screen to initiate communications, according to anexample.

FIG. 10A illustrates a message, according to an example.

FIG. 10B illustrates a Leader Board function that can operate as part ofthe app, according to an example.

FIGS. 11A through 11C illustrate screens with areas or ad zones reservedfor ad placement, according to an example.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an environment for operating amobile device, according to an example.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile device, according to anexample embodiment, according to an example.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a network-based system 1400 fordelivering vehicle monitoring services, according to an example.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating modules, according to anexample.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of machine in the example form of a computersystem 1600 within which instructions, for causing the machine toperform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may beexecuted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed in some examples are methods, systems, and machine readablemedia which enable vehicle users to manage and enhance theirrelationships with their vehicles. The system may provide an integratedinterface in which users may monitor vehicle status, track vehiclecosts, enhance their vehicle experience by connecting with other usersof the system, and the like.

Examples can monitor and automatically calculate vehicle trip segmentdata for related allowable expense reimbursement from an employer,allowable vehicle expenses for tax deduction and per trip segment datato support billable client expenses for drive time and distance, amongother things. Examples can provide an integrated interface and automaticreports of each trip or trip segment, in which user can monitor vehicletrip expense, vehicle status.

Examples include an application referred to as the Tripdots application,the “Tripdots app” or the “app.” The Tripdots app can be stored on andoperated by a mobile device such as a handset. The Tripdots app canfunction as part of an Tripdots system, which can include the mobiledevice, one or more networks, one or more servers such as to store dataand provide access thereto (locally or remotely), on or more modules torun on devices of the system, services to communicate information withthe system, and other systems and methods as set forth herein.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a system, according to an example.The figure illustrates an embodiment of the Tripdots system 100, inwhich a user 110 can operate a mobile device 115 to operate the app. Theapp can communicate over an Tripdots cloud or network 106, which canprovide for certain internet-based communications including informationassociated with the vehicle 108.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a system for delivering vehiclemonitoring processes, and administrating such delivery, according to anexample embodiment. The Tripdots network 106 can operate over theinternet, behind one or more security walls 114. In an example, anadministrative tool, such as an account management application canoperate on a device 116. Such a tool allows account administrators,other than users, to view and edit user accounts, such as from alocation other than the user's location. Examples include data warehouseand/or backup 118 which can store information about the user 110, themobile device 115, the vehicle 106, and information related to any oneof the services described herein (e.g., 112, 120, 140 as illustrated inFIG. 1).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one implementation of the Tripdots service.Column 1 shows services in communication with the Tripdots network 106to communicate information to the Tripdots network 106 when prompted to.In some cases, the services are provided with information sufficient topermit such communication. Column 2 shows data including executableapplications and other information stored on a first cloud network, theTripdots network 106. The Tripdots network 106 can comprise networkedcomputers operating behind a security wall. An example of the Tripdotsnetwork 106 is a Microsoft Azure cloud network. Column 3 shows dataincluding executable applications and other information stored on asecond cloud network 118. The second network 118 can comprise networkedcomputers operating behind a security wall. An example of the secondcloud network 118 can be an Amazon A3 cloud network. The cloud networksneed not be separate. Further, they can be greater than two in number,configured to communicate with one another, openly or securely.

As shown, the Tripdots network 106 can be accessed via one or moredomains, Tripdots.com and Tripdots.net, and the second cloud network 118can be accessed via one or more domains, with one of them optionallybeing shared with the Tripdots network 106. In this manner, an accountmanagement application can operate on a device 116 and access the dataincluding executable applications and other information on one or bothof the Tripdots network 106 and the second network 118.

Returning to FIG. 1 the system 100 can include an optional network-basedcheck-in system 120 and an OBD or vehicle head unit interface 140. AnOBD or vehicle head unit interface can include an API. The interface caninclude an associated network service. The OBD or vehicle head unitinterface 140 is an optional service to extract OBD information from thevehicle and communicate it to the Tripdots network 140. In an example,the OBD or vehicle head unit interface includes a device coupled to thevehicle and configured for wired or wireless communications with otherdevices of the OBD or vehicle head unit interface 140 to receive OBDinformation and derive or relay messages associated with the OBDinformation to the Tripdots network 106. In some examples, the OBD orvehicle head unit interface (which can comprise any service configuredto communicate with a vehicle communication bus) can communicate withthe vehicle 108 to transact information related to operation of thevehicle, including, but not limited to, parameters associated withemissions production, performance parameters, and other parameters. Inan example, the user 110 can connect to the network-based check-insystem 120 via a mobile device 115 (e.g., smart phone, PDA, laptop, orsimilar mobile electronic device capable of some form of dataconnectivity). Other services 112 can operate as part of the Tripdotsnetwork 106, as set forth herein.

The Tripdots app can be configured to provide information about avehicle 108 in a manner useful to a wide range of vehicle operators.Here it should be noted that a vehicle operator is not necessarily anapp user, although in some embodiments this is true. Information aboutthe vehicle 108 can be used to improve the way a vehicle operatoroperates a vehicle, including providing information to guidemaintenance, information to better enable users to perform preventativemaintenance and information to improve the efficiency of vehicleoperation. Some examples provide information usable to lower the totalcost or expense of ownership of the vehicle. Some examples provide otherinformation, such as social network messaging, that can make the vehicleownership experience enjoyable, and in some instances, enable others tocomment on information associated with the vehicle.

Tripdots app examples disclosed herein can provide users withinformation about their vehicles that is relayed or derived from onboarddiagnostics (“OBD”). In various examples, the information iscommunicated between the vehicle and the app using a protocol. Examplesof protocols include, but are not limited to, an OBD-II compatibleprotocol, including, but not limited to SAE standard J1850 which definesa serial data protocol; SAE standard J1978 which defines minimaloperating standards for OBD-II scan tools; SAE standard J1979 whichdefines standards for diagnostic test modes; SAE standard J2012 whichdefines standards trouble codes and definitions; SAE standard J2178,which defines standards for network message header formats and physicaladdress assignments, provides data parameter definitions, definesstandards for network message frame IDs for single byte headers anddefines standards for network messages with three byte headers; and SAEstandard J2284-3 which defines 500K CAN Physical and Data Link Layer, aprotocol compatible with SAE standard J1939, and other protocols.

Examples include a device, connectable to an OBD connector of a vehiclein some examples, for providing vehicle information to the Tripdots app.The information can include any of the vehicle information disclosedherein and available via a vehicle communication data bus. The devicecan relay or derive vehicle information and communicate the informationto the Tripdots app, via corded or wireless communications. Thecommunications can optionally pass through a service, such as an OBD orvehicle head unit interface 140 located on a network and adapted toprovide the information to the Tripdots app, such as via a wirelesscommunication network that is in communication with a mobile device 115on which the Tripdots app is stored and operated. The device is referredto as an TripConnect Device in some examples.

App examples can provide users with information about their vehiclesrelayed or derived from external services, such as a servicecommunicating with the Tripdots service over a network such as theintenet. Vehicle information can be relayed or derived from an originalequipment manufacturer or a supplier thereto, for example.

App examples can include a portion that is free to use. Other featurescan be enabled once a user purchases and installs a device such as tocouple with a vehicle, such as a device configured to mate to a vehicleconnector such as a standard connector, which can be an OBD-IIcompatible connector or another connector coupled to an onboard databus, e.g., the TripConnect Device.

App examples can monitor engine performance of the vehicle 108. In anexample, engine performance is derived from one or more engineparameters, including, but not limited to, one or more of watertemperature, oil temperature, rotations per minute, mass airflow,air-to-fuel ratio, knock sensor status, timing advance, fuel injectorduty cycle, torque output and other engine or engine-related parametersare received by the application. These parameters can be monitored inreal-time, or relayed or derived from data stored in a memory on avehicle.

App examples can display diagnostics, such as via an OBD reader device,e.g., the TripConnect Device. One or more of the parameters of thevehicle 108 can be used to provide a diagnostic. Such information can bemade available at an onboard connector of the vehicle 108 so that adevice such as a code-reader can receive the information and make adiagnostic. In some examples, the diagnostic is determined, such as byusing sensor data, by an onboard computer of the vehicle and is providedto an onboard vehicle connector in the form of a code or messagereadable by a device to display the code or message and relay relatedinformation, e.g., an explanation of the issue. As such, diagnostics canbe relayed or derived from vehicle data that can include data present ona vehicle data bus such as an onboard diagnostic communication bus.

App examples can enable social networking. In an example, an applicationcan communicate vehicle information with other users, e.g. usersindicated to be friends. Being a friend means assuming a state in whichthere has been a one-way or two-way approval flag set by one or bothusers (the friends), respectively, stored in association with a useraccount on another device that in communication with the application.App examples can provide linking and posting location (e.g., check-in)to social media websites such as Facebook. The app can display any ofthis information to the user 110.

App examples can receive and push messaging and display notificationsrelevant to the user's location and to vehicles owned. In an example,the app executes on a mobile device, and is in communication withanother device (e.g., another computer forming a part of, or incommunication with, the Tripdots network 106) that can analyze data,communicated with the app and/or another source, and push messages ornotifications to the mobile device in association with the data. Thedata can be pushed in association with vehicle data, such as locationdata transmitted to the other device. Notifications can be relayed orderived from information pushed from the other device.

Applications can display at least one of vehicle related cost or expenseinformation, vehicle tracking and vehicle management. In an example, theapplication can be provided with expense information associated withvehicle operation. Examples include, but are not limited to, expenseinformation provided by another device in communication with theapplication, the expense information associated with at least one ofspending in a location, spending with a specific bank account, vehiclemileage, time of operation, and combinations thereof. The expenseinformation can also be provided directly to a mobile device on whichthe application is stored and which is configured to execute theapplication. In some examples, a point-of-sale device can provideexpense information to the mobile device. In some examples, the expenseinformation is inputted manually to the mobile device. In some examples,a log is kept, either on the device on which the application operates,or another device, of vehicle locations. Vehicle locations can includestored GPS information, or other information, including, but not limitedto, point of sale information. Some examples provide notificationsrelated to at least one of vehicle location, vehicle operation duration,vehicle distance traveled, etc., to provide maintenance notifications.

Examples provide for the calculation per trip segment expense and tripsegment value for employer reimbursement. Examples can allow taxdeductions for one or more documented trips.

App examples can display maintenance reminders. In an example, theapplication can generate maintenance reminders based on at least one ofmanually entered information, information monitored from a vehicle, andinformation communicated to a mobile device on which the application isconfigured to execute. Information can be communicated with anothernetworked computer.

Related vehicle trip distance calculations with data including purposeof trip, contact, date time, start and end locations can automate thecalculation and report for employer expense reimbursement. Examples canallow for tax deductions for the related vehicle data.

App examples are configured to operate one or more mobile devicecomponents to retrieve information on the vehicle 108 using an internetsearch for the VIN. In some examples, the retrieved information isstored and automatically associated with the user's account. Thisinformation may be stored locally or (in one of the cloud's).

In some examples, the Tripdots network 106 may contact one or moreexternal data sources over a network. For example, the app may contact aserver run by the National Highway Transportation and SafetyAdministration and retrieve information related to safety, recall,service bulletins and crash test scores. The app may retrieve this byusing application protocol interface (API) calls made available by theseservices to access this data, or may scrape Internet WebPages providedby these data sources.

App examples can display manufacturer technical specifications for thevehicle, such as by using vehicle information and/or the VIN to performan internet query. App examples can display EPA information includingexpected fuel mileage and green score (i.e., a measure of emissions),such as by using vehicle information and/or the VIN to perform aninternet query. App examples can display accolades and awards publishedfor the vehicle, such as by using vehicle information to perform aninternet query. App examples can display OEM supplied data such asphotos, such as by using vehicle information to perform an internetquery.

In some examples, users may interact with another device to accessinformation related to their vehicle. In one example, accessing awebsite, for example Tripdots.com or Tripdots.net, can provide access tothe information. As described herein, the information can be accessedusing a network such as a cloud network. In some examples, the Tripdotsapp is configured to operate on a mobile device running a Windows Phone7 (i.e. Mango) operating system developed by Microsoft Corp., of RedmondWash. Some examples are configured to operate on a mobile device runningan Apple iOS, developed by Apple Inc., of Cupertino Calif. Some examplesare configured to operate on a mobile device running a Google Androidoperating system, developed by Google Inc., of Mountainview Calif.

Examples can include one or more of the modules disclosed herein, suchas: MODULE 1: New User Account Registration & Login 1520; MODULE 2: UserSettings, Vehicle Selection & Use Entry initial entry of vehicle mileageand expense 1505; MODULE 3: Vehicle Calculations, Performance Gauges andPush Messaging 1530; MODULE 4: Social Networking. Messaging and LeaderBoard 1510; MODULE 5: TripConnect Device Interfacing with Cloud network1540; and MODULE 6: Administrative Web Portal and User Account 1515.Each module can function independently or in conjunction with the othersto deliver information to perform functions discussed herein.Accordingly, the app can include one or more of the modules. One or moreof the modules can also operate on another device of the Tripdotsnetwork, 106, such as a computer. Other modules 1550 can be included. Ademonstration of how additional modules 1452 can interact as part of theTripdots system is set forth in FIG. 15.

Module 1: New User Account Registration and User Account Login

Upon installing the Tripdots app, such as on a mobile device, users canbe granted access to features programmed into the application withouthaving to complete a mandatory registration. Registration can berequested in order for users to use some features. Users can have theoption to register after installation should they choose to do so. In anexample, registration can include one or more of the following:

Creation of a user account. The user account may include informationsuch as car information (e.g., make, model, VIN, or the like), userinformation (such as name, email address, username, password, or thelike), a list of friends, or the like. The user account information maybe stored either on the mobile device, the Tripdots network, or anyother component of system 100

Storage of an acceptance of terms of service (“TOS”).

Storage of an acceptance of a privacy policy (e.g., information such astext content, resident on a device on which the application executes orhosted remotely and provided via web services).

In some examples, the user may enter social networking information(e.g., Facebook Connect) which may be used by the service 100 toautomatically retrieve one or more registration fields from the socialnetworking service thereby obviating the need for the user to enter thatinformation.

A splash screen can be displayed. The application can interface withservices such as web services to place an ad on the splash screen.

Registration via a service (e.g., Facebook Connect).

An account event notification communicated to another service, such asMicrosoft Live Tile.

Storage of a user service period start date and/or an account creationdate.

Storage of one or more of account creation date and time, IP address ofa device on which an account is created and last access date and time.

A welcome push notification to a user mobile device number (“MDN”).

An OBD (e.g., OBD-II) device activated screen that visually indicatesthe OBD-II device has been activated and is registered to the user'sTripdots mobile application.

Upon registration, one or more functions can occur in association withthe user's registration:

The application can direct another device to send a confirmation welcomeemail to an email address associated with the user. This communicationcan be app or server driven. App driven examples can send a message tothe server related to the user's account which prompts the server tosend a message. An example of a server driven message is a messageautomatically sent via a timer or at the prompting of another serviceinterfacing with the Tripdots network 106. Hyperlinks can be provided inthe email. The links can cause functions to occur on another device whenaccessed, such as flags to be set to enable aspects of the app,communicated with the app after selection of the hyperlinks.

A user account can be established on another device and referenced via adatabase having access limited to an administrator. Establishment andreferencing can be reported, such as via a log file or a message to adevice accessible to an administrator. In some examples, the databasecan be a Microsoft SQL database having designated administrativecontrols.

FTP and HTTPS networked services can receive the data from web-basesservice provided, such as the following of their equivalents:

Upon communication of a VIN, a VIN lookup service such as DataOneSoftware of Beverly, Mass., can provide access to a VIN database, and,in association with the VIN, can communicate specs, image and editorialrelated to the vehicle, such as to the mobile device or to a user'saccount on a web-server device accessible by a user.

A OBD or vehicle head unit interface such as one manufactured by Numerexof Atlanta, Ga., can communicate OBD device data, such as from anTripConnect Device, from or to the Tripdots service. In an example, theOBD information service operates the TripConnect Device to provide codeinformation to the Tripdots service, which can reference the codeinformation with a lookup table, either resident at the Tripdotsservice, or accessible via another service, which can messages some partof the Tripdots service, such as the mobile device, with messageinformation associated with the code information.

One or more modules can provide support for Facebook Connect for userregistration and “Check-in” support. Upon being provided with user logininformation, a social networking service such as Facebook Connect cancommunicate an authentication key with the Tripdots service, such as toenable the Tripdots service to access other services using theauthentication key.

Upon being provided with user login information, a network-basedcheck-in service such as Foursquare of New York, N.Y., or Placecast ofSan Diego, Calif. can communicate an authentication key with theTripdots service, such as to enable the Tripdots service to access otherservices using the authentication key. One or more modules can providesupport for FOURSQUARE API for “Check-in” support.

Module 2: User Settings, Model Selection and Expense Data Entry

By configuring one or more user settings, a user can select a unitsystem under which one or more parameters may be displayed to the user.Example parameters include remaining fuel volume, vehicle speed,distance traveled by the vehicle, preferred currency, time zone,location and other parameters. User settings can be manually modified ina setting screen of the application. Default settings can beautomatically determined, such as by using GPS location at the time ofcreation of the user's account and selecting settings associated with aregion including that location.

Vehicle model selection can be automatic. Entering the VIN of thevehicle can expedite of determination of vehicle information, such asmake, model, trim and year. Using the VIN and vehicle information, a webservices provider such as a DataOne can grant access to a source filestored in a database, and the application can read the source file andautomatically populate the user's account with associated data,including, but not limited to, year make, model and a stock OEM photo oranother image selected by the user, including an image captured by anoptical sensor of a mobile device on which the application executes. Thedata read can be stored in a user's account on another device, and canbe subdivided by user vehicle. Updated information associated with theVIN, such as updated information from a DataOne source file or anotherservice provider, can be automatically delivered to the applicationperiodically, such as on a weekly basis.

Further settings are associated with the user's personalized profile. Auser can select an image stored in a data store of the mobile device, orcan capture a new image, such as by using an optical sensor of themobile device.

Users can select a unique screen name to identify the user in virtualareas accessible to other devices, such as without input of a securitycode such as a password. The unique screen name, or “handle,” can beused in other Tripdots systems.

One of the settings the user can configure is an override of automated(GPS) previously defined location information. As an example, a user canselect a country such as via dropdown, a language such as via dropdown,currency such as via dropdown, volume units such as via dropdown(possible selections include gallons, imperial gallons, liters, etc.),speed and/or distance such as via dropdown (possible selections includekilometers or miles).

Examples have the same service cloud provide the ability for the user touse the next version of the mobile app on their device with the optionto not use the OBD II device to get GPS location and related tripsegment data.

A further user setting is an opt in/out setting, by which the user canchoose whether they share location, they can control friend invites,they can control whether they receive messages from friends, and theycan control whether they receive. push notifications

Certain examples allow a user to select vehicle maintenance reminderintervals for one or more services. For example, a user can select toreceive an oil change reminder every three thousand miles or a tirerotation reminder every five thousand miles. This function of theapplication can enable users to manually enter the servicing intervals.This in turn will power the Reminders functions.

FIGS. 5A-B and 6A-B show a display showing field to enter expenseinformation. Certain settings are associated with vehicle expense userinput and tracking. Expense tracking can include storing a manual userinput on the mobile device, and optionally communicating the input toanother device. Expenses related to the vehicle can be entered by theuser with the keyboard. Expenses can be divided into groups, such as apayments group, a maintenance group, and others. The cloud system andplatform can automatically organize vehicle trip data to allow the userto set allowable automatic calculations for expense report for employerreimbursement, allowable tax deductions (different rules in differentcountries but we are focused on the US today) and or automatic tripsegment calculations for backup of client billable drive trips/distanceand time.

An example app can be powered by our same cloud services and includesthe ability to not require the OBD device for trip detail capture.Examples capture the data, organize it and deliver data reports to theuser or anonymous aggregate vehicle trip data to other partners. Thiscan be independent of using the OBD II device, such as via only a mobiledevice (e.g., handset) and associated application. Examples can allowfor the user to input expense rates 502, and expense rules 504. Rulescan be used to associate a first rate with a first trip for a first tripdistance, and optionally a second rate with a second trip for a secondtrip distance, and so on. A time-based listing of expenses can bedisplayed 610. The timing can be week-by-week or according to anothertime scale. Information such as contacts, businesses, location name, andtrip purpose can be associated with each expense can be also bedisplayed 612.

FIG. 7A shows a “Maintenance” portion of an expenses display that can beused to track lease or loan payments tracking. A car can be selectedusing a dropdown 702. A “Maintenance” section can be used to enter 704expenses related to tires, oil changes and general service expenses. Acategory “other” can be used for miscellaneous expense capture. Ifpresent, a device such as a device connected to vehicle OBD can inform afuel usage gauge of the application to prepare an operating expensereport that includes fuel usage.

Examples can automate the calculation per for vehicle trip segmentpurpose, contact, distance, time and calculated expense for employerreimbursement or allowable tax deduction data back up using the purpose,contact, and related information.

FIG. 7B shows a “Payments” portion of an expenses display that can beused to track lease or loan payments tracking. A car can be selectedusing a dropdown 702. A user can input 706 loan payments that can beused by the application to prepare an operating cost report thatincludes fuel usage. A user can also input into the application a leaseor loan start date, annual miles allowed within lease payment and timingand amount of a monthly lease or loan payment. Users can input into theapplication monthly insurance payments for the vehicle. Users can inputinto the application the term of the loan or lease, such as in months.The application can store an inputted annual mileage or kilometerallowance.

Module 3: Automated Vehicle Calculations, Gauges and Push Messaging

FIG. 8A shows gauges associated with operation of a vehicle. This modulecan calculate and display information previously entered into theTripdots app or captured via the TripConnect Device. The display screencan display an image resembling vehicle gauges to convey the relateddisplay data to the user of the Tripdots app or some other portion ofthe Tripdots service, such as a web client.

FIG. 8B illustrates a Gauge Store. Gauges 804 can be selected from aGauge Store. The Gauge Store can be hosted on a mobile device as part ofthe Tripdots app. The Gauge Store can include information hosted onanother device. The Gauge Store can also be accessed through aweb-portal through which the user can interface with the Gauge Store andmake choices that are pushed to a mobile device.

New gauges can be added periodically to the Tripdots app by the Tripdotssystem, providing users with multiple choices for gauges to display,such as on their mobile device. A user can buy or select free gauges tobe displayed by the Tripdots app. A user can download gauges from a datastore to the Tripdots app, such as by selecting the gauge through aninterface of the Gauge Store, displayed on one or both of a mobiledevice or another computer. Some gauges interact with the TripConnectDevice and do not function without the device present. The followingdescribes several gauges.

Certain examples include the cost of operation, and external servicessuch as cloud services can capture, organize and automatically pushreports to the vehicle user.

A cost of operating gauge can show the cost over time of vehicleoperation, showing cost per week on average or to date, cost per Monthon average or to date, Year on average or to date, or the total cost todate. An algorithm used to calculate the cost of ownership can sum carpayment information for a period, insurance cost for the period, fuelpurchased during the period and user entered expenses during the period.

A recalls and service bulletins gauge can indicate whether one or bothof a recall or service bulletin have been issued that affects thevehicle. As an example, the gauge can indicate the number of suchdocuments, including the total number, and the number that are unread.In an example, the documents can be based on a database file lookup,such as one performed by a service provider such as a service providerexternal to the Tripdots system. A user may press the gauge displayed onthe mobile device to switch to a recalls display.

An oil change gauge can display time since last oil change or distancesince last oil change. Oil change intervals can be user-defined orderived from external data supplied by the TripConnect Device or a3^(rd) party communicating with the TripConnect Device. Interval startscan be based on user-entered information, such as when a user entersinitial mileage at the start of using the Tripdots system.

A tire service gauges can show time or distance since tires or anothervehicle components were purchased or serviced. For example, a gauge canshow time since tires were purchased or rotated.

A service gauges can be user-defined to indicate a countdown time and/ordistance to a service. A recommended service interval can be input by auser or based on a database file provided by a web service incommunication with the Tripdots system. In some examples, a VIN lookupservice, in providing information about the vehicle, also can provideinformation from manufacturer including service intervals. In anexample, a reminder to perform a service is provided at periodicintervals, such as every week or every thousand miles. In some examples,a user can select to indicate that the service has been performed, orcan select to dismiss the reminder, at which point a future reminder canbe scheduled.

A vehicle efficiency gauge can indicate vehicle efficiency such asaverage vehicle efficiency, for example, expressed as miles per gallon.In one example, the gauge can divide a specified distance (since lastdistance counter reset, overall, etc.) by a volume of gas purchased.

Certain gauges can interact with the TripConnect Device and operate onlywhen an TripConnect Device has communicated to the Tripdots service thatan TripConnect Device has been coupled with the vehicle. One gauge is anenhanced oil change gauge. The enhanced oil-change gauge can enableusers to set an interval, rather than use one provided. Additionally,the enhanced oil-change gauge can indicate whether onboard diagnosticsrecommend that the oil be changed.

An enhanced tire monitor can indicate to the user the tire pressure inone or more tires. The pressure can be a measure of tire pressure, orwhether the tires are below a threshold. The tire pressure informationcan be provided by onboard diagnostics, such as via an TripConnectDevice.

An enhanced service gauge can provide the information described above inrelation to the service gage, but also relay OBD messages. such astrouble codes and associated definitions of trouble codes. Additionalinformation associated with an OBD code can be provided by anotherdevice using a web service in communication with the application.

A battery gauge can indicate battery state information collected fromthe vehicle communication bus. For example, the battery gauge canindicate voltage for a starting battery.

A temperature gauge can indicate the temperature of one or more vehiclesystems, including, but not limited to, water temperature, oiltemperature, battery temperature, traction motor temperature, cabintemperature, brake temperature and other temperatures. Temperatures canbe displayed in any user selected dimensional scale, including, but notlimited to, ° F. and ° C.

Other enhanced gauges include, but are not limited to, enhanced vehicleefficiency, enhanced speed indication and enhanced distance traveled.Each of these can relay or derive indications from a vehiclecommunication bus such as the OBD communication bus.

Examples can provide reminders to users of the application. Reminderscan originate from various sources within the application and canprovide the user with information on a schedule, and also to focus theattention of the user. Reminders can appear in a portion of theapplication (e.g., a Message Center) as well as being pushed to theapplication or to some other application residing on the device on whichthe application operates. Examples of other applications include, butare not limited to, Microsoft Live Tile. In some examples, Live Tile canindicate that there are unread reminders are in the Message Center ofthe application.

Examples can push reminders that can include trip segments and relatedautomatically calculated values for reimbursement record or allowabletax deduction expense.

Examples of reminders include recall reminders such as an NHTSB Recallreminder; a service bulletin reminder such as a NHTSB service bulletinreminder and a service reminder, a service reminder, among others.Forming a portion of the reminder can be text or a gauge that canindicate when the next service is due. In an example, the timing of thereminder can be associated with information disseminated by the vehiclemanufacture. Such information can be stored on a mobile device on whichthe application operates, or communicated from another device incommunication with the mobile device. Reminders can show time until nextscheduled oil change. A reminder can also show an indication that avehicle temperature is out of a specified range. Such a reminder canshow how far the temperature is out of the specified range, such as byindicating how many degrees out of the range the temperature is from.

A reminder can provide social networking information. For example, areminder can show that an application such as Facebook Friend Connectincludes a message. Such a message could be that a particular user wantsto be friends, i.e., be granted access to the user's social networkaccount such that they can view or contribute information.

One or more modules can provide support for push notification servicessuch as Microsoft push notification services. Push notifications servicecan include support for subsequent integration of Urban iAirship Richpush notification services compatible with iOS and Android operatingsystems.

Module 4: Social Networking, Messaging and Leaderboards

This module can enable users to share their experiences with otherTripdots users. The module can also enable users to share theirexperiences with other Tripdots users via a social network such asFacebook. A Leader Boards function of the Tripdots, embodied as aportion of the Tripdots application operating on a mobile device, and/ora portion of an application running on another device in communicationwith the mobile device, can allow users to compare vehicle performancedata with others Tripdots users.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a Map, displayed by the Tripdots app,that can show Tripdots users in a particular location. The location ofthe users can be updated, such as periodically or in real time. Data topopulate the map can originate from the TripConnect Device and/or fromsome other information provider, such as a web service queried by theTripdots app to provide location information of the user's mobile deviceand/or the mobile devices of other users.

The Map can display one or more of the following: user's currentlocation and the location of other Tripdots users displayed visually ona map such as with each user's Screen Name. Each Tripdots user can berepresented by an icon such as their vehicle picture. A check-infunction can allow users to publish their locations to network-basedservices such as Facebook (such as by using a network-based socialnetworking service) and/or Foursquare (such as by using a network-basedcheck-in service). A tracking process can allow an TripConnect Device tolog the location, such as by logging location coordinates, of theTripConnect Device, and thereby the vehicle, to share with other users,such as in real-time. This can be shared regardless of whether theapplication is launched on a mobile device. These functions can be optedinto and opted out of, by way of several example implementations.

Icons, when touched, can allow users to communicate with each other iftheir preferences allow for it. A screen to initiate such communicationsis illustrated in FIG. 9B. Such communications can include one or moreof sending messages and sending friend requests. In an example, amessage event results in a Push notification that can be displayed on amobile device.

FIG. 10A illustrates a message. The application can include a MessagingCenter to consolidate and archive all Friend messages, Friend Requests,Push Notifications and Reminders. Unread Messages can remain in theMessage Center. Other messages can be automatically archived as read.The Message Center can communicate information to another application,such as Live Tile, which can indicate information about the unreadmessages, such as the number of unread messages.

The Tripdots system can perform one or more email functions. An exampleof the Tripdots system can include an email server that can operateindependently from Tripdots corporate email (e.g., used by employees)and that can, for example, use the Tripdots.net domain. Examples, ofemail communications that can be used by the Tripdots system include awelcome message, a Recall Message including a Requested Recall Report orinformation pushed to the user, and a Password Recovery Message that canoptionally include HTML that can be used to direct a web browser or someother HTML reading application on a device such as mobile device toaccess another device to recover a password. The HTML can optionallyinclude key data to enable the other device to provide the password orto reset the password.

FIG. 10B illustrates a Leader Board function that can operate as part ofthe app. The Leader Board function can allow users to see how theirvehicle performance compares to other users. The Leader Board caninclude multiple boards that can display different tracked metrics, suchas metrics that have been archived. A Leader Board can be sorted by avehicle efficiency metric (e.g., MPG), in an example. Vehicles sortedcan include those a set of everyone using Tripdots, a set limited tofriends, and a set of persons operating a particular type of vehicle(i.e., limited to vehicles of a particular make, model, trim level oroption package). Other vehicle information disclosed herein can be usedto form a Leader Board. Leader Boards can be limited to certain timeperiods.

Module 5: Tripconnect Device

This module determines the status of a device coupled to a vehicle incommunication with a communications bus of the vehicle. In an example,this module determines the status of an TripConnect Device that isplugged into the OBD-II port on the vehicle. Communications and dataservices between the device and the Tripdots app can be provided by a3^(rd) party that can manage the TripConnect Device and that can provideinformation from the device to a cloud network service. The 3^(rd) partycan include a web service in communication with the device.

In an example, the application can display a green status indicator thatcan indicate that the TripConnect Device has been provisioned and isassociated with the Users mobile Tripdots app and is communicating datawith the service. In an example, TripConnect Device status can set by anTripdots administrative user at time of device purchase.

The TripConnect Device can communicate information associated with oneor more of the following, with example units listed in parentheses:battery voltage level (e.g., volts); ignition on event and concomitantengine state and OBD state; ignition off event and concomitant enginestate and OBD state; vehicle efficiency (e.g., MPG); engine or motortemperatures (e.g., degree); fuel level (e.g., percent of capacity basedon a predetermined fuel capacity such as one stored in a database); fuelconsumption rate; and malfunction indicator light code (e.g., one ormore of the code being communicated, an indication that a code is beingcommunicated, and information associated with the code, such as astandard meaning of the code or a manufacturer specific meaning of thecode); vehicle location (e.g., GPS latitude over longitude, optionallycorrelated with an address provided by a web service such as Bing); andLast Vehicle Stop while running (e.g., one or more of time, latitudeover longitude).

Module 6: Web Administration Application

Examples include an account management application. The accountmanagement application can be a web application. This managementapplication can include a user interface that supports one or more of;access to backend data sets to flag accounts that are enabled with theTripConnect Device; account lookup by one or more of Last Name, Email,Screen Name and Mobile Phone Number (e.g., MDN).

The management application can view and edit data fields related to anTripConnect Device including, but not limited to: International MobileEquipment Identity (“IMEI”) #; TripConnect Device Status; TripConnectLogged Data Records; TripConnect Device enable/disable Service; Whetherthe account is paid; Shipping address (street, city, state, country,postal code, phone); Date Shipped; Date Activated; Amount Paid; Taxcollected: Sales Transaction ID # and Last time used (OBD can send lastreported event when in vehicle).

The management application can view and edit data fields related to anTripdots system including, but not limited to: a flag to enable ordisable TripConnect service; user preferences and opt-In fields; vehicletype; user information (e.g., user account information); last timeapplication used (date and/or time); account created date; an option toset user account status flag to one of: active, cancelled; suspended;and banned; and an option to export data to XLS or CSV for a date range.

These modules can work independently or together as requested by usersor managers of the system. App examples can include one or more of thefollowing optional aspects. Within one or more modules, text strings canbe read from an external table to facilitate subsequent languagetranslations and internationalization. One or more modules can providesupport for reduced SQL data usage. Some examples can use a thread localstorage. (“TLS”). One or more modules can provide support for pathredundancy between two service providers (e.g., 112, 120, and 140). Oneor more modules can provide terms of service (“TOS”) and privacy policychanges encourage user acceptance on next app launch. TOS and privacycopy can be hosted on the web services for copy updates. Examples canprovide a free Tripdots app (e.g., with no TripConnect Device) limitedto two vehicles. One or more modules can provide dynamic field labelsbased on user preferences for international support (e.g., miles,kilometers). One or more modules can provide dynamic help screens viaweb services.

To enable the execution of certain functions discussed herein, data setscan be integrated into the application, including, but not limited toautomobile lists by manufacturer, model, year: a country list; and alanguage list. Also, to enable certain functions, the application caninitiate ‘send’ email and send/receive messages. An email server can beseparately configurable from an existing email, e.g., Tripdots.com, andcan reside on another domain, e.g. Tripdots.net.

Advertising

FIGS. 11A through 11C illustrate screens with areas or ad zones reservedfor ad placement. The Tripdots system can provide for advertising, suchas within the app. Ads can conform to a pre-defined size that can fitinto a determined ad location or “zone” on specific screens of the app.Ad zones can be available on an initial “splash screen” and otherscreens as shown in FIGS. 1A-C, in which zones 1102 are illustrated. Adzones can be dynamically updated from web services. Ads can includestatic images or animated images. Ads can include Internet links such aslinks compatible with HTML5, and can support analytics, such as bysending user information to another device when the ad is selected.

Notes

Location—For the purposes of this document and the associated claims,the term “location” is used to refer to a geographic location, such as alongitude/latitude combination or a street address. The term location isalso used within this specification and claims in reference to aphysical location associated with a retail outlet (e.g., store).

Real-time—For the purposes of this document and the associated claims,the term “real-time” is used to refer to calculations or operationsperformed on-the-fly as events occur or input is received by theoperable system. However, the use of the term “real-time” is notintended to preclude operations that cause some latency between inputand response, so long as the latency is an unintended consequenceinduced by the performance characteristics of the machine.

Example Operating Environment

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an environment for operating amobile device, according to an example embodiment. The environment 1200is an example environment within which methods of vehicle monitoring.The environment 1200 can include a mobile device 115, a communicationconnection 1210, a network 1220, servers 1230, a communication satellite1270, an OBD or vehicle head unit interfaces server 1280, and a database1290. The servers 1230 can optionally include location-based serviceapplication 1240, location determination application 1250, publicationapplication 1260 (e.g., to publish information to services), and aservice reminder application 1265. The database 1290 can optionallyinclude a vehicle database 1292, user profile database 1294, and/orlocation history database 1296. The mobile device 115 represents oneexample device that can be utilized by a user to monitor vehicles. Themobile device 115 may be any of a variety of types of devices (forexample, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), aPersonal Navigation Device (PND), a handheld computer, a tabletcomputer, a notebook computer, or other type of movable device). Themobile device 115 may interface via a connection 1210 with acommunication network 1220. Depending on the form of the mobile device115, any of a variety of types of connections 1210 and communicationnetworks 1220 may be used.

For example, the connection 1210 may be Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA) connection, a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)connection, or other type of cellular connection. Such connection 1210may implement any of a variety of types of data transfer technology,such as Single Carrier Radio Transmission Technology (1×RT),Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) technology, General Packet Radio Service(GPRS) technology, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)technology, or other data transfer technology (e.g., fourth generationwireless, 4G networks). When such technology is employed, thecommunication network 1220 may include a cellular network that has aplurality of cell sites of overlapping geographic coverage,interconnected by cellular telephone exchanges. These cellular telephoneexchanges may be coupled to a network backbone (for example, the publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), a packet-switched data network, or toother types of networks).

In another example, the connection 1210 may be Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi,IEEE 1802.11x type) connection, a Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX) connection, or another type of wireless dataconnection. In such an embodiment, the communication network 1220 mayinclude one or more wireless access points coupled to a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or otherpacket-switched data network.

In yet another example, the connection 1210 may be a wired connection,for example an Ethernet link, and the communication network may be aLAN, a WAN, the Internet, or other packet-switched data network.Accordingly, a variety of different configurations are expresslycontemplated.

A plurality of servers 1230 may be coupled via interfaces to thecommunication network 1220, for example, via wired or wirelessinterfaces. These servers 1230 may be configured to provide varioustypes of services to the mobile device 115. For example, one or moreservers 1230 may execute location-based service (LBS) applications 1240,which interoperate with software executing on the mobile device 115, toprovide LBSs to a user. LBSs can use knowledge of the device's location,and/or the location of other devices, to provide location-specificinformation, recommendations, notifications, interactive capabilities,and/or other functionality to a user. For example, an LBS application1240 can provide location data to a network-based check-in system 120,which can then be used to assist in generating offers relevant to theuser's current location. Knowledge of the device's location, and/or thelocation of other devices, may be obtained through interoperation of themobile device 115 with a location determination application 1250executing on one or more of the servers 1230. Location information mayalso be provided by the mobile device 115, without use of a locationdetermination application, such as application 1250. In certainexamples, the mobile device 115 may have some limited locationdetermination capabilities that are augmented by the locationdetermination application 1250. In some examples, the servers 1230 canalso include publication application 1260 for providing location-awareoffers that may be triggered by present or past check-ins with thenetwork-based check-in service 120. In certain examples, location datacan be provided to the publication application 1260 by the locationdetermination application 1250. In some examples, the location dataprovided by the location determination application 1250 can includemerchant information (e.g., identification of a retail location). Incertain examples, the location determination application 1250 canreceive signals via the network 1220 to further identify a location. Forexample, a merchant may broadcast a specific IEEE 1802.11 service setidentifier (SSID) that can be interpreted by the location determinationapplication 1250 to identify a particular retail location. In anotherexample, the merchant may broadcast an identification signal viaradio-frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC),or a similar protocol that can be used by the location determinationapplication 1250.

Example Mobile Device

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile device, according to anexample embodiment. The mobile device 115 may include a processor 1310.The processor 1310 may be any of a variety of different types ofcommercially available processors suitable for mobile devices (forexample, an XScale architecture microprocessor, a Microprocessor withoutInterlocked Pipeline Stages (MIPS) architecture processor, or anothertype of processor). A memory 1320, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM),a Flash memory, or other type of memory, is typically accessible to theprocessor. The memory 1320 may be adapted to store an operating system(OS) 1330, as well as application programs 1340, such as a mobilelocation enabled application that may provide LBSs to a user. Theprocessor 1310 may be coupled, either directly or via appropriateintermediary hardware, to a display 1350 and to one or more input/output(I/O) devices 1360, such as a keypad, a touch panel sensor, amicrophone, and the like. Similarly, in some embodiments, the processor1310 may be coupled to a transceiver 1370 that interfaces with anantenna 1390. The transceiver 1370 may be configured to both transmitand receive cellular network signals, wireless data signals, or othertypes of signals via the antenna 1390, depending on the nature of themobile device 115. In this manner, the connection 1210 with thecommunication network 1220 may be established. Further, in someconfigurations, a GPS receiver 1380 may also make use of the antenna1390 to receive GPS signals.

Example Platform Architecture

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a network-based system 1400 fordelivering vehicle monitoring services, according to an exampleembodiment. The block diagram depicts a network-based system 1400 (inthe exemplary form of a client-server system), within which an exampleembodiment can be deployed is described. A networked system 1402, in theexample form of a network-based vehicle monitoring system, that providesserver-side functionality, via a network 1404 (e.g., the Internet orWAN) to one or more client machines 1410, 1412. FIG. 14 illustrates, forexample, a web client 1406 (e.g., a browser, such as the InternetExplorer browser developed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.State) and a programmatic client 1408 (e.g., WHERE™ smartphoneapplication from Where, Inc. of Boston, Mass. or FOURSQUARE™ smartphoneapplication from Foursquare, Inc. of New York, N.Y.) executing onrespective client machines 1410 and 1412. In an example, the clientmachines 1410 and 1412 can be in the form of a mobile device, such asmobile device 115.

An Application Programming Interface (API) server 1414 and a web server1416 are coupled to, and provide programmatic and web interfacesrespectively to, one or more application servers 1418. The applicationservers 1418 host one or more publication modules 1420, messagingmodules 1422, location-aware modules 1432 and look-up modules 1442.These are just some of the modules possible, and any of the modulesdisclosed herein can be configured to operate on the application servers1418. The modules can perform one or more of the functions described inthe above description of modules one through six. The applicationservers 1418 are shown to be coupled to one or more database servers1424 that facilitate access to one or more databases 1426. In someexamples, the application server 1418 can access the databases 1426directly without the need for a database server 1424.

The publication modules 1420 may provide a number of publicationfunctions and services to users that access the networked system 1402.The messaging modules 1422 can send messages or notifications to theusers. The location-aware modules 1432 may provide real-time locationinformation to users of the networked system 1402. The location-awaremodules 1432 can be configured to use all of the various communicationmechanisms provided by the networked system 1402 to indicate userlocation. The look-up modules look up information for use by the user,such as by references a user VIN with information about the VIN storedin the database 1426 to provide the user with the information about theVIN.

While the system 1400 shown in FIG. 14 employs a client-serverarchitecture, the present invention is not limited to such anarchitecture, and could equally well find application in a distributed,or peer-to-peer, architecture system, for example. The various modules1420, 1422, 1432 and 1442 could also be implemented as standalonesystems or software programs, which do not necessarily have networkingcapabilities.

The web client 1406 accesses the various modules 1420, 1422, 1432 and1442 via the web interface supported by the web server 1416. Similarly,the programmatic client 1408 accesses the various services and functionsprovided by the modules 1420, 1422, 1432 and 1442 via the programmaticinterface provided by the API server 1414.

FIG. 14 also illustrates a third-party application 1428, executing on athird-party server machine 1440, as having programmatic access to thenetworked system 1402 via the programmatic interface provided by the APIserver 1414. For example, the third-party application 1428 may,utilizing information retrieved from the networked system 1402, supportone or more features or functions on a website hosted by the thirdparty. The third-party website may, for example, provide one or morepromotional, marketplace or payment functions that are supported byapplications of the networked system 1402. Additionally, the third-partywebsite may provide merchants with access to the local pricing modules1432 for configuration purposes. In certain examples, merchants can useprogrammatic interfaces provided by the API server 1414 to develop andimplement rules-based pricing schemes that can be implemented via thepublication modules 1420, messaging modules 1422, and location-awaremodules 1432.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating modules, according to an exampleembodiment. Additional details regarding the functionality provided bythe modules are detailed above.

Modules, Components and Logic

Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a numberof components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may constitute eithersoftware modules (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium or ina transmission signal) or hardware modules. A hardware module is atangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may beconfigured or arranged in a certain manner. In example embodiments, oneor more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client or server computersystem) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., aprocessor or a group of processors) may be configured by software (e.g.,an application or application portion) as a hardware module thatoperates to perform certain operations as described herein.

In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implementedmechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module maycomprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured(e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gatearray (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) toperform certain operations. A hardware module may also compriseprogrammable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within ageneral-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that istemporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. Itwill be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware modulemechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or intemporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may bedriven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the term “hardware module” should be understood toencompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physicallyconstructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired) or temporarilyconfigured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner and/or toperform certain operations described herein. Considering embodiments inwhich hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed),each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated atany one instance in time. For example, where the hardware modulescomprise a general-purpose processor configured using software, thegeneral-purpose processor may be configured as respective differenthardware modules at different times. Software may accordingly configurea processor, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module atone instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at adifferent instance of time.

Hardware modules can provide information to, and receive informationfrom, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the described hardwaremodules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multipleof such hardware modules exist contemporaneously, communications may beachieved through signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuitsand buses) that connect the hardware modules. In embodiments in whichmultiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at differenttimes, communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, forexample, through the storage and retrieval of information in memorystructures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. Forexample, one hardware module may perform an operation and store theoutput of that operation in a memory device to which it iscommunicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a latertime, access the memory device to retrieve and process the storedoutput. Hardware modules may also initiate communications with input oroutput devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection ofinformation).

The various operations of example methods described herein may beperformed, at least partially, by one or more processors that aretemporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured toperform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanentlyconfigured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modulesthat operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modulesreferred to herein may, in some example embodiments, compriseprocessor-implemented modules.

Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partiallyprocessor-implemented. For example, at least some of the operations of amethod may be performed by one or processors or processor-implementedmodules. The performance of certain of the operations may be distributedamong the one or more processors, not only residing within a singlemachine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some exampleembodiments, the processor or processors may be located in a singlelocation (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment or as aserver farm), while in other embodiments the processors may bedistributed across a number of locations.

The one or more processors may also operate to support performance ofthe relevant operations in a “cloud network computing” environment or asa “software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of theoperations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples ofmachines including processors), with these operations being accessiblevia a network (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriateinterfaces (e.g., APIs).

Electronic Apparatus and System

Example embodiments may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry,or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them.Example embodiments may be implemented using a computer program product,for example, a computer program tangibly embodied in an informationcarrier, for example, in a machine-readable medium for execution by, orto control the operation of, data processing apparatus, for example, aprogrammable processor, a computer, or multiple computers.

A computer program can be written in any form of programming language,including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed inany form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, subroutine,or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiplecomputers at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

In example embodiments, operations may be performed by one or moreprogrammable processors executing a computer program to performfunctions by operating on input data and generating output. Methodoperations can also be performed by, and apparatus of exampleembodiments may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry(e.g., a FPGA or an ASIC).

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other. Inembodiments deploying a programmable computing system, it will beappreciated that both hardware and software architectures requireconsideration. Specifically, it will be appreciated that the choice ofwhether to implement certain functionality in permanently configuredhardware (e.g., an ASIC), in temporarily configured hardware (e.g., acombination of software and a programmable processor), or a combinationof permanently and temporarily configured hardware may be a designchoice. Below are set out hardware (e.g., machine) and softwarearchitectures that may be deployed, in various example embodiments.

Example Machine Architecture and Machine-Readable Medium

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of machine in the example form of a computersystem 1600 within which instructions, for causing the machine toperform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may beexecuted. In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as astandalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to othermachines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in thecapacity of a server or a client machine in server-client networkenvironment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed)network environment. The machine may be a personal computer (PC), atablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a PDA, a cellular telephone, a webappliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable ofexecuting instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions tobe taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine isillustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include anycollection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (ormultiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 1600 includes a processor 1602 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) orboth), a main memory 1604 and a static memory 1606, which communicatewith each other via a bus 1608. The computer system 1600 can furtherinclude a video display unit 1610 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 1600 also includes analphanumeric input device 1612 (e.g., a keyboard), a user interface (UI)navigation device 1614 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1616, a signalgeneration device 1618 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device1620.

Machine-Readable Medium

The disk drive unit 1616 includes a machine-readable medium 1622 onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions and data structures(e.g., software) 1624 embodying or used by any one or more of themethodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 1624 mayalso reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1604, static memory 1606, and/or within the processor 1602 duringexecution thereof by the computer system 1600, the main memory 1604 andthe processor 1602 also constituting machine-readable media.

While the machine-readable medium 1622 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” may include asingle medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributeddatabase, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one ormore instructions or data structures. The term “machine-readable medium”shall also be taken to include any tangible medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present invention, or that is capable of storing,encoding or carrying data structures used by or associated with suchinstructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly betaken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, andoptical and magnetic media. Specific examples of machine-readable mediainclude non-volatile memory, including by way of example, semiconductormemory devices (e.g., Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM),Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flashmemory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removabledisks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

Transmission Medium

The instructions 1624 may further be transmitted or received over acommunications network 1626 using a transmission medium. Theinstructions 1624 may be transmitted using the network interface device1620 and any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g.,HTTP). Examples of communication networks include a LAN, a WAN, theInternet, mobile telephone networks, Plain Old Telephone (POTS)networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., WiFi and WiMax networks).The term “transmission medium” shall be taken to include any intangiblemedium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions forexecution by the machine, and includes digital or analog communicationssignals or other intangible media to facilitate communication of suchsoftware. Examples provide for agility in establishing a connection toany telematics or other data customers and partners.

Example XML Definitions

The following represents XML data for communication with the app.

<title>Location reading for Corvette Z06 on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:53:43−0500</title> <description>5405 Patrick Henry Dr, Santa Clara,CA</description> <device_id>3</device_id> <imei>359138035803845</imei><georss:point>37.40907 −121.98451</georss:point> <speed>0</speeds><direction>0.0</direction> <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:53:49−0500</pubDate> <altitude>7.7</altitude> <created_at_utc>2012-04-2514:53:49 −0500</created_at_utc> <event_type>Heartbeat</event_type><note></note> <ignition></ignition> <gpio1>false</gpio1><gpio2>false</gpio2> <street_number>5405</street_number> <street>PatrickHenry Dr</street> <place_name>Santa Clara</place_name><admin_name1>CA</admin_name1> <geofence_id>0</geofence_id><geofence_name></geofence_name><geofence_event_type></geofence_event_type><firmware>X004-1112E_008e</firmware><gateway_profile>HarDef</gateway_profile> <obdprotocol></obdprotocol><vin>1GNET13H272128735</vin> <seq_id>177</seq_id><gateway_timestamp>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:53:46 − 0500</gateway_timestamp><gpsStatusLock></gpsStatusLock> <hdop>0.9</hdop><numberOfSatelites>12</numberOfSatelites><batteryVoltage>12.7</batteryVoltage> <fuelTankLevel></fuelTankLevel><mileage>53.0</mileage> <rpm>0.0</rpm><averageFuelConsumption>0.0</averageFuelConsumption><acceleration>0.0</acceleration> <rssi>−83</rssi><last_heartbeat_timestamp>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:53:490500</last_heartbeat_timestamp> <recently_completed_trip><start_location>37.40895 −121.98453</start_location><end_location>37.34461 −122.01347</end_location><travel_distance>5.99626</travel_distance> <duration>17</duration><averageFuelConsumption>14.6862</averageFuelConsumption></recently_completed_trip> </item> <item>

Although the present invention has been described with reference tospecific example embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although an embodiment has been described with reference to specificexample embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications andchanges may be made to these embodiments without departing from thebroader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form a parthereof, show by way of illustration, and not of limitation, specificembodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. Theembodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enablethose skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein.Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such thatstructural and logical substitutions and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope ofvarious embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along withthe full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in thisdocument are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, asthough individually incorporated by reference. In the event ofinconsistent usages between this document and those documents soincorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B.” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, theterms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended; that is, a system,device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to thoselisted after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within thescope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms“first,” “second,” and “third,” and so forth are used merely as labels,and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing system comprising: a calculationserver; a first wireless transceiver electrically coupled to thecalculation server, the first wireless transceiver operable to receivevehicle data wirelessly; and a computing device comprising: a processorconfigurable to be electrically coupled to a vehicle and operable toreceive the vehicle data from the vehicle, the vehicle data includingvehicle time of operation and vehicle trip distance data; and a secondwireless transceiver, electrically coupled to the processor, operable totransmit the vehicle data wirelessly to the first wireless transceiver;the calculation server operable to receive the vehicle data from thefirst wireless transceiver, the calculation server configured tocalculate a distance expense based on the vehicle trip distance in thevehicle data and to calculate a time of operation expense based on thevehicle time of operation in the vehicle data.
 2. The computing systemof claim 1, wherein the computing device further comprises: a globalpositioning system (GPS) receiver providing location information,wherein the vehicle data further includes the location information. 3.The computing system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle data received fromthe vehicle further includes location information.
 4. The computingsystem of claim 1, wherein the vehicle trip distance and the vehicletime of operation are independent of each other.
 5. The computing systemof claim 1, wherein an electric coupling between the processor of thecomputing device and the vehicle is one of an onboard diagnostics(OBDII) port or a head unit interface of the vehicle.
 6. A computingsystem comprising: a calculation server; a wireless receiverelectrically coupled to the calculation server, the wireless receiveroperable to receive wirelessly vehicle data relating to an operationalstate of a vehicle, the vehicle data including vehicle time of operationand vehicle trip distance data, the calculation server operable toreceive the vehicle data from the wireless receiver, the calculationserver configured to calculate a distance expense based on the vehicletrip distance in the vehicle data and to calculate a time of operationexpense based on the vehicle time of operation in the vehicle data; anda wireless transmitter, electrically coupled to the calculation server,operable to wirelessly transmit a message for presentation in a userinterface, the message including vehicle trip expenses based on thedistance expense and the time of operation expense.
 7. The computingsystem of claim 6, wherein the vehicle trip distance and the vehicletime of operation are independent of each other.
 8. A computing devicecomprising: a processor configurable to be electrically coupled to avehicle and operable to receive vehicle data from the vehicle, thevehicle data including vehicle time of operation and vehicle tripdistance; a GPS receiver operable to provide location information toaugment the received vehicle data to provide augmented vehicle data; anda wireless transceiver, operable to receive the augmented vehicle datafrom the processor and to transmit the augmented vehicle datawirelessly, wherein the vehicle trip distance and the vehicle time ofoperation are independent of each other in the augmented vehicle data.9. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the computing device isoperable to determine and provide a plurality of vehicle trip distancesand times of operation from the vehicle data.
 10. The computing deviceof claim 8, wherein an electrical coupling between the processor and thevehicle is one of an onboard diagnostics (OBDII) port or a head unitinterface of the vehicle.
 11. A system comprising: a computing devicecomprising: a processor configured to be electrically coupled to avehicle and operable to receive vehicle data from the vehicle; and a GPSreceiver operable to provide GPS coordinates to augment the vehicledata; and a wireless transceiver operable to receive vehicle data fromthe processor and operable to transmit the augmented vehicle datawirelessly; the computing device configured to provide vehicle trip datasegment information automatically on at least two trip data segments,wherein at least one type of vehicle trip data segment information isindependent of other types of vehicle trip data segment information inthe augmented vehicle data.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein at leastone of the trip data segment information is time of operation data. 13.A computing system comprising: a calculation server; a first wirelesstransceiver electrically coupled to the calculation server, the firstwireless transceiver operable to receive vehicle data wirelessly; and acomputing device comprising: a processor configured to be electricallycoupled to a vehicle and operable to receive the vehicle data from thevehicle, the processor configured to determine at least two vehicle tripdata segments from the vehicle data; and a second wireless transceiver,electrically coupled to the processor, operable to transmit the vehicledata wirelessly to the first wireless transceiver; the calculationserver operable to receive the vehicle data from the first wirelesstransceiver, the calculation server configured to determine the at leasttwo vehicle trip data segment expenses based on the vehicle data,wherein at least one vehicle trip data segment expense is independent ofother vehicle trip data segment expenses.
 14. The computing system ofclaim 13, wherein the vehicle data includes time of operation data,wherein at least one of the trip data segment expenses is based on thetime of operation data.